Exterior Paint Care on the Island: A Simple Annual Plan

Good for: Exterior siding, trim, doors, decks & fences — especially in Nanaimo’s coastal climate

On Vancouver Island, exterior paint faces salt air, UV, wind, rain, and seasonal temperature swings. A little routine care goes a long way toward protecting your home and stretching the time between repaints.

Spring: Refresh & inspect

• Low-pressure rinse. Use a garden hose (no high-pressure blasting) to remove salt film and dust.

• Gentle wash. Soft brush + bucket with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Rinse well.

• Mildew/algae check. Spot-treat with a cleaner labeled for exterior mildew (follow directions; protect plants).

• Inspect caulking. Check joints around windows/doors and trim; re-caulk where gaps appear to keep moisture out.

• Look for trouble spots. Peeling, hairline cracks, bare wood, rust stains around nails—note anything that needs attention.

Summer: Sun & UV protection

• Trim vegetation. Keep shrubs and vines off siding so paint can dry after rain or watering.

• Gutters & downspouts. Ensure drainage moves water away from fascia and siding.

• Spot-prime and touch-up. Bare wood or rusting nail heads should be cleaned, primed, and touched up promptly.

Fall: Storm readiness

• Final wash of high-touch areas. Doors, rails, and shaded areas can collect grime—clean before winter.

• Hardware & fixtures. Tighten loose house numbers, lights, and downspout straps to prevent rubbing/paint damage.

• Decks & fences. Check for flaking or cupping; light sanding and a maintenance coat can prevent bigger repairs later.

Winter: Light monitoring

• Post-storm walk-around. Look for wind-driven water intrusion, peeling at horizontal surfaces, or damaged caulk.

• Avoid pressure washing in freezing temps. Moisture can get trapped and create problems.

Good practices year-round

• Skip harsh pressure washing. It can drive water behind boards and lift paint—keep the wand several feet away.

• Mind sprinklers. Overspray on siding feeds mildew and leaves mineral stains.

• Record your paint info. Keep brand, colour, sheen, and year handy for easy touch-ups and future projects.

When to repaint? Quality exterior paint typically lasts 7–10 years, but coastal exposure and deep colours can shorten that. If you see widespread chalking, peeling, or caulk failure, it’s time to talk options.

Want a quick health check? Mach 1 Painting can do a fast exterior assessment and recommend smart, budget-friendly maintenance.